Alek eagerly slitted open Lilit's letter, while fending off Dylan's violent attempts to read over his wanted news about Istanbul, tidings from her family, and, of course, things to tease Dylan about.
Dear Alek, I hope you are well.
"Let me see! Let me see!"
"Shove off!"
"You shove off!"
"It's my letter!" He held it at arm's length, so Dylan couldn't take the fragile paper.
Is your friend's German good enough to read this? If it is, tell him not to read other people's mail. This letter is actually about Mister Sharp, so don't let it be seen.
Alek glanced behind him. Dylan was still struggling to read the letter, but he shook his head.
"Why has my Clanker gone to pieces?"
I have some questions, which are in no way meant to lead you to any conclusions. Has Dylan ever changed clothes in front of you or another person? Has his voice ever spontaneously changed, and not in a typical way? Has he gotten flustered when you mention a secret? Have you asked Volger yet, or guessed? My, you really are a genius, absolutely brilliant.
Yours truly, Lilit.
Alek looked at the letter, then at Dylan. Paper, Dylan. Paper, Dylan. He reread the letter.
Dummkopf, he cursed himself.
"What did she say, huh? What's wrong?"
"Mister Sharp?" Alek asked, dumbstruck.
Dylan looked nervously at him. "What? Did she write about me?"
Bovril cackled.